Jwala wants to have fun and avoid Olympic pressure

An Olympic berth is top of her agenda, but Jwala Gutta won't exactly be gutted if it doesn't come about. India's top women's doubles shuttler feels that obsessing about a London ticket would only create unnecessary pressure.

Jwala will partner Ashwini Ponnappa and V Diju at the Asian Badminton Championships and Indian Open in the women's and mixed doubles category respectively. They have to secure enough ranking points before the May 3 deadline to earn an Olympic berth, and Jwala said she is taking it easy mentally to ensure there is no undue pressure.

"We have created history, so we don't need to worry. I have spoken to both my partners that we shouldn't take pressure. It doesn't matter if we don't qualify. Yes, Olympics is precious, but if you keep thinking about Olympics then you will take pressure," said Jwala.

"I have told Ashwini, as she is young, to just go out there and have fun, give your best," she added.

"We have been training with (Syed Mohammed) Arif sir for the last few weeks and he makes us slog like anything. Right now, I'm training for the Asian Badminton Championships, as this and then the India Open is very important tournament for me. He pushes me more on basics, more on-court practice. After the India Open, I will train more specifically for Olympics," Jwala explained.

Asked about the tricky draws that await her, Jwala said she is not bothered about that as it is always expected to be tough.

"I haven't seen the draw, it is expected to be tough, doubles is always tough. India Open draw is also tough and we have done well regardless of tough draws whether it is the performance in World Championships or the Commonwealth Games," Jwala said.

"Pressure is always there but I would like to take no pressure. I just want to go and play as I can, no regrets, that's me," she asserted.

Jwala put up a rather disappointing performance in the last three tournaments and she feels playing too much and the pressure of expectations might have affected her show.

"I think because we have been to many tournaments and there was too much pressure, perhaps that affected us. We are not getting time to train. That's why we took a break, we didn't play in the Australian Open and we are seeing the difference."

"For the past three years, we have been just playing, and for me it is two events, so it becomes a bit hectic. But I think I am doing well in both. Some tournaments we do well and then we don't. In the China Open last year, we beat the Chinese World No. 2; it never happened in my career," she said.

Asked what would be her strategy in the next two tournaments, Jwala said, "Doubles is such a fast game internationally, you can't go with a set strategy. The only strategy is not to make mistakes, be consistent, mentally alert and strong."